Why you should care about Google WebVR Experiments

Two days ago, Google launched WebVR Experiments, a YouTube-like web page that could put Virtual Reality on the right path. Right now, the “business” approach has the technology stuck in the boring land because of the lack of options.

The problem with Virtual Reality is that is too complicated. Not the technology per se, but the way manufacturers and developers are interacting is not optimal, to say the least. In fact, I would dare to say there is not an established industry yet, but fortunately, Google stepped up.

WebVR Experiments is following YouTube’s example. Anyone can go to the web page and choose among many VR experiences for free, and all of them come with an open source code that other developers can use to work on their projects.

What Gear do I need to enjoy WebVR Experiments?

Google WebVR Experiments headsets and browsers. Image: Google.

Daydream View (Android and iOS)

Google Cardboard (Android and iOS)

Oculus Rift and a computer (Chromium and Firefox Nightly)

HTC Vive room setup (Chromium and Firefox Nightly)

Windows Mixed Reality Headsets (Microsoft Edge)

As of now, these are the four available options, sort by quality, to immerse in the Virtual Reality experiences, next to them are the compatible web browsers.

However, if you do not have a headset, you can still play in 2D, and it is important that people try it out. That would lure skilled developing teams to the platform which is good for everybody.

What can I find there?

In WebVR, users can choose between four categories: Android, Chrome, A.I., and Art & Culture experiments.

Most of them are simple and creative. For example, Speak to Go will take the user on a virtual tour around the world. He only needs to tell the where he wants to go and the app will take him there.

There are many other options, but don’t go expecting to find something like Resident Evil 7 or Eve: Valkyrie. Remember they are experiments, the first stage of what could be something incredible.

A “hidden” coding academy

There is a special section on the website called “About.” There, people can find different coding tutorials to start creating VR experiences from scratch, and that is why this platform is so important.

Google said its objective was to make VR available for everybody, and WebVR Experiments is a place where anyone can learn about programming virtual apps. Once they have something interesting they can submit it, and see how people like it. It does not solve everything, but it’s a good start.